Common introduced generations of fans to the evocative and inspired spoken-word poetry of his father, Lonnie Lynn, and the soulful artist fittingly known as “Pops” has passed away at the age of 71, according to the Associated Press.
The Grammy-winning rapper, actor, author and activist, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr, confirmed the passing in an interview on Monday. The cause of Pops’ death was not disclosed.
“He was truly a natural poet and master of words. His personality and soul shined through his work,” said Common in the interview Monday.
“The way he said things made me look at life and the world in a new way, in a different way. They always sparked a thought in my head. His words would always make me strive to achieve higher, to write better, to be more truthful with my words.”
READ: Common: Uncommonly Blessed
Pops was a featured poet on several of Common’s albums, the last being 2011’s “The Dreamer/The Believer”. On the album’s closing track, “Pops Belief”, Lynn leaves these lasting words of wisdom:
“Live the life you believe. The American dream, the black American dream, the universal dream. For the sake of the unwritten laws of humanity, I believe in God. I believe in my ancestors, I believe in my offsprings … I believe in the truth, truth. See you next lifetime.”
On Sunday, Common is scheduled to headline his AAHH! Fest 2014 on Chicago’s West Side in Union Park. The community event is a partnership between the Common Ground Foundation, Common’s education non-profit, Donda’s House Inc, Kanye West’s youth and art non-profit, and the Chicago Urban League to find jobs for 5,000 Chicago youths. There’s no doubt the city of Chicago will be out in full support in remembrance of Pops and his legacy.
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